I like it, but my eyes are saying Brown, Studdard, Meyers, Caldwell Winston. Brisiel is already having issues with the foot, and I just do not see him holding up over the whole season. But he has shown a new quickness for him.

As much as I do not want to admit it Studdard has looked improved to me. He has gotten better at dropping his anchor on the bull rush. He is still having trouble with Mitchell but so are the other guys.

Caldwell appears to have the RG position lock up. And there is no depth at tackle so Brown and Winston are safe.

Myers is not as bad as the people here think. Today he was 15 yards downfield blocking Pollard on a inside run, it's what started the fight. Plus he is looking better at OC. So far Wade Smith has looked like a backup, just like I thought he would when they signed him.

gary

08-02-2010, 08:33 PM

I like it, but my eyes are saying Brown, Studdard, Meyers, Caldwell Winston. Brisiel is already having issues with the foot, and I just do not see him holding up over the whole season. But he has shown a new quickness for him.

As much as I do not want to admit it Studdard has looked improved to me. He has gotten better at dropping his anchor on the bull rush. He is still having trouble with Mitchell but so are the other guys.

Caldwell appears to have the RG position lock up. And there is no depth at tackle so Brown and Winston are safe.

Myers is not as bad as the people here think. Today he was 15 yards downfield blocking Pollard on a inside run, it's what started the fight. Plus he is looking better at OC. So far Wade Smith has looked like a backup, just like I thought he would when they signed him.
It's ashame about Brisel because he's good IMO.

I seem to recall that this may be old news, but last week on the radio I caught a few minutes of John McClain. He mentioned that Kubiak had made the comment that the light bulb seemed to have come on over Caldwell's head. So far, this past off season, he had taken his game to the next level. Now he had to show the same improvement during contact.

gary

08-02-2010, 09:06 PM

I like LT Brown --RG Caldwell/Wade--C Caldwell/Wade---LG briesel or Studdard--RT Winston
I would not be against this.

dinkatoid

08-02-2010, 10:25 PM

The interior offensive line has a lot of competition. Center Chris Myers is competing against Wade Smith. Left guard Kasey Studdard is trying to hold off Mike Brisiel. The right guard is set with Antoine Caldwell. You can read about Caldwell on Chron.com and in Monday's Chronicle.

http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2010/08/competition_fierce_at_several.html

It seems like McClain believes Caldwell has RG firmly locked up. Everyone seems pretty sure about the tackles, so that really only leaves LG and C. I really think Meyers is hated on just for the sake of hating on the guy. He did have a rough season last year, but he was missing guys on both sides of him leaving him to do all the dirty work inside, and he just isn't built for that. Having a constant line I think will make him back to a decent center. I think the real fight will be between Brisiel and Studdard at LG.

At LG, I expect Wade Smith to eventually find his way to the top of the chart, due to the salary they are paying him, and also his ability. If Smith does not play at about the same level as Brisiel and Studdard, then I would expect Kasey Studdard to get the nod.

But given the payroll considerations, Studdard beating our Smith will be a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. If that happens, that will be fine with me. But if Brisiel beats out both Smith and Studdard, especially considering his lingering injury issues, I will be quite surprised.

TimeKiller

08-02-2010, 11:19 PM

If Myers and Studdard are still top 5 OL on the team, go for it. If not, just pretend like they are.

gary

08-03-2010, 08:39 AM

We shall see how things shake up.

thunderkyss

08-03-2010, 08:48 AM

I wonder why they won't put Studdard at RG, next to Winston. I'm thinking Studdard is the strongest of the group, & I think he does a fine job run blocking. If he were next to Winston, we would be able to run right, all day long.

dalemurphy

08-03-2010, 08:56 AM

I wonder why they won't put Studdard at RG, next to Winston. I'm thinking Studdard is the strongest of the group, & I think he does a fine job run blocking. If he were next to Winston, we would be able to run right, all day long.

Caldwell is actually stronger, I think. He certainly has more junk in the trunk and a stronger base. It's clear that they are convicted to leave him at RG and have the other 4 guys (Wade Smith, Myers, Brisiel, C.White) compete for the other two spots. Studdard is very limited athletically. If he's starting, I view it as patchwork. He's fine as depth but not the guy you want to win the job, IMO.

from http://www.texansbullblog.com :
Training Camp Position Battles, Part III

Interior Offensive Linemen:

Chris Myers is the new Petey Faggins. But the question is, does he deserve to be? Chris struggled against large space-eating DTs and there is the very unflattering video of Kris Jenkins ragdolling him. But in 2009, he was rarely if ever out of position. Mentally, it has been mentioned that he seems to have a very solid grasp on the line calls and that alone could be enough for him to retain his job. At the same time, his physical limitations are his downfall and. Kubiak acknowledged this off-season that the interior oline was a priority that would be addressed. And, Rick Smith, in the weakest year of free agency in the salary cap era, successfully acquired one of the best available interior linemen: Wade Smith. Smith is a capable OT but has proven more valuable at Center and particularly at guard. He is highly athletic and has a special ability to absolutely maul LBs on the second level. It is challenging attempting to break down the battles because there are 6 or 7 guys that could end up at any of the three positions. I’m not sure the coaches even know who’ll end up where. This year’s 6th round pick, Shelly Smith, was a four year starter at Colorado State (which, if you follow the Texans, you know that gives him an edge: Brisiel, D.Anderson, Nading, Dressen). He can play center and guard and has good feet and athleticism. Chris White, in my opinion, is most likely going to get cut. However, he has experience, and can also play center and guard. Last year’s 3rd round pick, Antoine Caldwell, started at center for three years at Alabama. However, he platooned at RG for the Texans last season and they seem intent to keep him there. He is the player most assured, out of this group, of retaining a starting job. However, Mike Brisiel has returned to practice after missing most of last season with a lisfranc injury to his foot. He is not 100%, but if he can manage the pain, he can compete for his old job at RG. Oh, and by the way, he was spotted working at center during this year’s OTAs and also reportedly took some reps with the 1st team in Friday’s practices. Chris Myers likely retains his job at center. LG then becomes a race between Studdard and Wade Smith, with some possible competition from Shelly Smith. There are about 6 or 7 combinations for the season-openner that are plausible.

All the more reason training camp is going to be a blast! We’ll have some answers for you by tomorrow.

I like it, but my eyes are saying Brown, Studdard, Meyers, Caldwell Winston. Brisiel is already having issues with the foot, and I just do not see him holding up over the whole season. But he has shown a new quickness for him.

As much as I do not want to admit it Studdard has looked improved to me. He has gotten better at dropping his anchor on the bull rush. He is still having trouble with Mitchell but so are the other guys.

Caldwell appears to have the RG position lock up. And there is no depth at tackle so Brown and Winston are safe.

Myers is not as bad as the people here think. Today he was 15 yards downfield blocking Pollard on a inside run, it's what started the fight. Plus he is looking better at OC. So far Wade Smith has looked like a backup, just like I thought he would when they signed him.

Getting downfield and playing in space hasn't been the problem with Myers. It's when the field shortens up that troubles me. He's weak at the point of attack and can't hold his ground in short yardage situations.

Really I'd be interested to see what he looks like moved over to guard and have Caldwell play center.

Studdard has never been the most athletic guard, difference with him and the other linemen is he's pretty strong and isn't afraid to throw his body around.

I'm really disappointed on hearing Smith not impressing so far. I had high hopes he could come in and lock down LG or C.

gary

08-03-2010, 09:07 AM

I still think overall the O line will just be better than last season.

HOU-TEX

08-03-2010, 09:09 AM

Admittedly, I've been unable to gather enough evidence to prove Wade has beaten Myers out, yet. But this would be how the Oline would look to me today.

Gary, were you there yesterday? I looked where you normally are and you weren't there.

Anywho, if you get the chance, watch W. Smith when he's with the 1's this Saturday. I'm going to make it a point to since I didn't get a chance yesterday.

gary

08-03-2010, 09:44 AM

Yessir, great minds think alike. :winky:

Gary, were you there yesterday? I looked where you normally are and you weren't there.

Anywho, if you get the chance, watch W. Smith when he's with the 1's this Saturday. I'm going to make it a point to since I didn't get a chance yesterday.
I got there late and did not watch a lot of practice but I started out behing the fence in front of the water tent right next to the bleachers. Then I moved to the track between field one and two. Are you going to be there Thursday night or Saturday morning? Maybe I'll see you then.

HOU-TEX

08-03-2010, 09:49 AM

I got there late and did not watch a lot of practice but I started out behing the fence in front of the water tent right next to the bleachers. Then I moved to the track between field one and two. Are you going to be there Thursday night or Saturday morning? Maybe I'll see you then.

The wife and I will be there Saturday morning. I promised myself I wouldn't go to Thursday nights any more. It's way too crowded just to watch them run around in shorts and ball caps. We'll look for y'all Saturday morning

gary

08-03-2010, 09:52 AM

The wife and I will be there Saturday morning. I promised myself I wouldn't go to Thursday nights any more. It's way too crowded just to watch them run around in shorts and ball caps. We'll look for y'all Saturday morning
Ok, great.

badboy

08-03-2010, 02:59 PM

I like it, but my eyes are saying Brown, Studdard, Meyers, Caldwell Winston. Brisiel is already having issues with the foot, and I just do not see him holding up over the whole season. But he has shown a new quickness for him.

As much as I do not want to admit it Studdard has looked improved to me. He has gotten better at dropping his anchor on the bull rush. He is still having trouble with Mitchell but so are the other guys.

Caldwell appears to have the RG position lock up. And there is no depth at tackle so Brown and Winston are safe.

Myers is not as bad as the people here think. Today he was 15 yards downfield blocking Pollard on a inside run, it's what started the fight. Plus he is looking better at OC. So far Wade Smith has looked like a backup, just like I thought he would when they signed him.I agree with your line. Smith making a lot of $ for a back-up?

painekiller

08-03-2010, 03:40 PM

I agree with your line. Smith making a lot of $ for a back-up?

And IMO he is overpaid. The new OC, Rick Dennison, wanted this guy so the team signed him. Count me as unimpressed. But like many things I am most likely wrong on him.

gary

08-03-2010, 04:59 PM

I am getting all gitty about the season.

MojoMan

08-03-2010, 05:11 PM

I am getting all gitty about the season.

I think the Texans really are going to be good this season. It feels like this team has reached critical mass and is ready to launch. Perhaps the time of the Houston Texans has finally come.

gary

08-03-2010, 05:14 PM

Go texans

painekiller

08-03-2010, 06:53 PM

For the 1st time in their history the Texans have quality depth at ever position, and no glaring weakness.

They are young at some of the positions, but they have talent.

gary

08-03-2010, 08:44 PM

For the 1st time in their history the Texans have quality depth at ever position, and no glaring weakness.

They are young at some of the positions, but they have talent.
Yup.

Rey

08-05-2010, 06:50 PM

A little insight into the Interior O-line battles (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7139881.html):

In training camp, Brisiel has played both guard positions as well as center. He knows there's a lot of competition for interior jobs, and if a lineman wants to make the team in a backup role, he better be versatile.

"Somebody has to be our swing guy," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said about a guard who can play both sides. "Mike has played some center for us, too. We know what he can do."

Foot heals; pain lingers

When Brisiel, 27, took every snap next to right tackle Eric Winston two years ago, the Texans averaged more than 6 yards a carry on runs to their side. That average dropped to 4.2 last season when Brisiel was out.

Now, Antoine Caldwell has the starting job at right guard. Brisiel (6-5, 305) is trying to put pressure on left guard Kasey Studdard.

"Mike's a fine player, but he's not 100 percent," Kubiak said. "He's had some serious injury setbacks, but he's coming along. When he gets back to being himself like he was two years ago, he's right in the mix."

Kubiak said that when the Texans host Indianapolis in their regular-season opener, the three best players will start at guard and center.

Brisiel would like to be one of them, but he's got to be 100 percent.

"It's something I have to work through," he said about the foot injury. "It's healed. It's just a matter of dealing with a little pain, but that's football. I know the more I do, the more I can help the team (and) the better it'll be for me. Whatever I can do - and I don't care what it is - I'll do it."